Iran's Internet Restrictions Heighten Risks for Citizens During Israeli Airstrikes

Over recent years, Iran's government has been methodically preparing to regulate, restrict, and potentially sever internet service for its 80 million inhabitants. In past instances, such as in 2019 and again in 2022 after the death of a young woman, Iran has wielded internet blackouts as a tool to isolate its population from crucial information. As hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify, the nation once again faces significant internet throttling, leaving residents with limited avenues to access news or reach family members who could be in danger.

After Israeli airstrikes on several targets, reports surfaced of Iran instigating internal internet disruptions. Citing 'special conditions,' Iran's Communication Ministry stated these 'temporary restrictions' were necessary. The situation escalates as exchanges between Israel and Iran persist, increasing regional tensions. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump speculated on U.S. support for Israeli actions aimed at Iran's nuclear capabilities, although this remains unconfirmed.

Monitoring data reveals that on June 13, Iran's internet connectivity dipped by 54%, with a further 49% drop occurring on June 17 from already reduced levels. According to Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik, connectivity momentarily improved before plummeting again by 90% on Wednesday. Several Iranian ISPs are reportedly offline, contributing to a pattern of frequent national internet disruptions.

An internet freedom researcher, who wishes to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, says, 'Yesterday's situation escalated completely.' Second-day blackout measures have severely impacted international connectivity, blocking even domestic news sites. Observations by groups like Netblocks highlight these blackouts, with one recent event leading to an almost complete shutdown. The Ministry of Communications suggests these interruptions are to thwart 'enemy misuse.'

Iran is acting to maintain control, reportedly advising citizens to rely on national apps while extensively limiting the internet to manage communication in conflict-stricken areas. Moreover, President Trump's warning urged Tehran's nearly 10 million residents to vacate, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Mahsa Alimardani, a digital rights advocate with Iranian roots at Witness, asserts that this disruption underscores the regime's effort to regulate information flow. She emphasizes that Tehran's residents are particularly vulnerable due to these connectivity restrictions.

As mobile networks falter and VPNs become ineffective, maintaining communication becomes increasingly challenging, as highlighted by Alimardani. She recounts how family members lost connectivity upon leaving Tehran, regaining a signal only hours later. Even home Wi-Fi is proving unreliable.

Around the globe, internet shutdowns have become a recurrent response during critical events, as noted by Access Now. These measures, whether to quell protests, impede freedom of assembly, during conflicts, or to prevent exam fraud, are becoming alarmingly common.

Hanna Kreitem from the Internet Society reiterates the vital role of the internet in conflict zones, providing a platform for updates, help requests, and communication. The sudden connectivity plunge in Iran on June 13 illustrates the real-world impact of such restrictions.

Iran has long been developing an internal network known as the National Information Network (NIN), which facilitates selective internet accessibility and encourages usage of domestic apps that potentially lack robust security measures. Iran's ranking by Freedom House as 'not free' underscores persistent shutdowns and efforts to drive people towards local internet services.

Amir Rashidi, overseeing digital rights at the Miaan Group, notes increasing encouragement towards using Iranian apps during the internet restrictions. He mentions the rising popularity of the app Bale, which functions on the NIN and remains operable even during outages.

Other nations, including Myanmar, India, Russia, and Belarus, have similarly justified internet crackdowns under the guise of national security, observes Lukasz Olejnik from King's College London. However, Olejnik argues these shutdowns largely fail against sophisticated cyber threats, while significantly impeding citizens' access to information.

Alimardani from Witness raises skepticism about claims of cybersecurity protection through internet control, noting that these measures likely aim to manipulate public perception about Iran's conflict narrative. Open media access challenges this story, risking public dissent, and threatening to destabilize regime authority.